TEDxCooperRiverWomen

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Brooke Mailhiot

  College Professor+ Award Winning Cinematographer

  An International award-winning editor and cinematographer, Professor Brooke Mailhiot has blended her love of the cinematic arts, digital media, film production together to bring real-world perspective and experience into the classroom. Mailhiot’s graduate degree in Creativity and Innovation from Drexel University enables her to assist students in developing their creative voices, acquire a theoretical, historical, conceptual and critical understanding of how to produce quality cinematic work using current and evolving technologies while learning all aspects of the production process for radio, television, film and online content.

• Dalia MacPhee

  Celebrity Fashion Designer + Tech Innovator

  Fashion Designer Dalia MacPhee has rocketed to the upper echelon of sought after designers in Hollywood. She’s been called the “IT” girl of the red carpet and Entertainment Tonight has referred to her as “Couture with a Conscious.” Dalia’s designs have graced the figures of celebrities such as Hilary Duff, Heidi Klum, Gina Rodriguez, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Olivia Munn, Amber Riley, Nina Dobrev, Niecy Nash, Alyssa Milano, Serena Williams, Scarlett Johansson, Khloe Kardashian, the stars of The Vampire Diaries, Big Bang Theory, Pretty Little Liars, True Blood, and Glee to name a few. Recent projects include an underwater celebrity fashion campaign to bring awareness to violence against women and a global fashion show to promote world peace.

• Dr. Kortni Alston

  College Professor+Happiness Researcher+Journalist

  Dr. Kortni Alston is a happiness and employee engagement scholar, strategist, multimedia journalist, and educator who values life-long learning, motivational leadership, and inspiring the next generation of aspiring journalists, news and business leaders. She serves as Lecturer in Mass Communication at Georgia College. Kortni’s area of research is interdisciplinary combining the areas of positive psychology, business administration and mass communications; it specifically focuses on the science of happiness, meaningful work, entrepreneurship and innovation. Kortni’s research concentrations value happier workplaces, well-being, and employee engagement. During her Ph.D. studies, CNN invited her to share her expertise in an International Happiness Day op-ed article. Before the academy, Kortni was the Director of News and Public Affairs for WEAA-FM, the leading public radio station for National Public Radio (NPR) news and information in the Baltimore market.

• LaChan Hannon

  Teacher+Professor+Parent+Autism Advocate

  LaChan is mother of two, Nile (13) and Avery (12).  Shortly after Avery’s autism diagnosis at 21  months, LaChan and her husband Dr. Michael D. Hannon co­founded the 501c3 non­profit organization  Greater Expectations Teaching and Advocacy Center Inc (GETAC), where she serves as Director, as a means to support families with children with developmental differences in addition to education professionals  through parent  workshops, professional development, and advocacy support. She presents at both local and national  conferences on topics of autism education, culturally responsive teaching, and teacher practice. LaChan is an advocate for equitable access to quality education, a supporter of teacher  learning, and a believer that schools improve when parents are deliberately included in the education of  their children.   LaChan has BA in English/Sociolology and received special education graduate certificates in Educating Individuals with Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.

• Lena Cohen

  Clincal Counselor +Life Coach

  Lena Cohen For over 14 years she has lead a life of service. Growing up in Camden, NJ has awarded her years of life experiences; which proves to be special and unique when paired with her outstanding professional career. Lena graduated with honors from Kean University, obtained an internship with CBS, and quickly rose through the ranks. After losing a close friend to drugs use her desire to help women became so strong she started You’re Beautiful Honie; helping women achieve their highest potential for wellness through the healing of their mind, body, and soul. She went on to get her Master’s Degree becoming an outpatient therapist for foster children and their families. Her distinct level of excellence granted her access to a world she had only dreamed of; being recognized locally and nationally for her work. She then founded Women Operating in Opulence; a NPO that provides personal & professional development for career women and entrepreneurs. Helping others truly does bring her joy.

• Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq

  Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq is a Former Deputy Asst Secretary for Civil Rights, Policy, US Dept of Education, a three-time North American Travel Journalists’ Association award winner for excellence in travel broadcasting. As a leading voice in socially responsible travel and lifestyle, World Footprints explores diverse topics such as modern slavery, film, music, politics, sustainability and travel intelligence as we travel the planet together.